Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun with carnival rides and lawn games or more of a 21-and-older fest with brats and beers galore, check out the Oktoberfest-ing going down in the Valley this season.
Sept. 21 and Sept. 28, 12 to 8 p.m.: Brat Haus
Brat Haus–home of European-style sausages and traditional Bavarian pretzels–welcomes the return of its annual Oktoberfest, sponsored by Jagermeister and Warsteiner Beers. The events, taking place in Scottsdale on Saturday, Sept. 21, and in Phoenix on Saturday, Sept. 28, will feature world-class brats, traditional craft beers, contests, live music, giveaways and more. Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane will kick off the celebrations on the first weekend by tapping a firkin of beer at 1 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear their best German attire to join in the fun, Best of all, there is free admission for guests of all ages.
Sept. 27 and Sept. 28: SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest
Local legends the Gin Blossoms will headline the 12th-annual SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest presented by Bashas’ on Sept. 28 (VIP packages are available). Guests can even take their concert experience to a new level by viewing the show from the ride-filled carnival presented by Chapman Automotive as the ferris wheel will be positioned directly in front of the stage. (Ride tickets will be available for purchase onsite at the festival.) The two-day festival, located in downtown Chandler, offers a family-friendly experience with classic German-inspired food and activities, live music, a carnival midway and beer and spirits provided by SanTan Brewing Company. Guests can expect the return of crowd favorites like polka music, Von Hanson’s brat-eating contests, stein-holding competitions, keg-stacking matchups and bring-your-own wiener dog races. General admission tickets start at $10. Food and beverages are sold separately.
Sept. 28, 3 to 9 p.m.: Downtown Phoenix Oktoberfest
For the second year, Downtown Phoenix Oktoberfest will be held in Civic Space Park and feature plenty of beer from Huss Brewing and traditional German food (bratwurst, weisswurst, currywurst, soft pretzels, schnitzel, spatzel and sauerkraut) from the likes of Copper Blues, Brat Haus, Eur Haus and more. This year’s 21-and-over event will spotlight live music from Funkhaus Brass Band. Party people can show off their skills during the championship stein-holding, brat-eating and Beer Maid contests. There will also be corn hole, Jenga, ladder ball and more to provide entertainment for festival-goers. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit ICM Food & Clothing Bank. Single tickets are $10 online and $15 day of. Get a 50 percent discount with group admission rates which include four tickets at $30 and are available online during pre=sale. Food and beverages are sold separately.
Oct. 4, 6 to 10 p.m.: Pedal Haus Oktoberfest
The Pedal Haus Oktoberfest hoopla begins with a stein-holding competition and a sausage-eating contest, all accompanied by a live German polka band from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and festive decor. Oktoberfest attire is encouraged for the party. Prior to the event, Pedal Haus Brewery will also be releasing new Oktoberfest menu items available from Sept. 21 to Oct. 15 with eats like bratwurst, German-style Flammkuchen pizza and first Pedal Haus Oktoberfest beer (which is $4 with an Oktoberfest food purchase and served in a 19-oz. dimple mug).
Oct. 5, 2 to 10 p.m.: Town of Gilbert Oktoberfest
Guests of the inaugural Town of Gilbert Oktoberfest will take in a fall day of live traditional polka music, a Brass Tap brat-eating contest, wiener dog races, live music, Bavarian dancers and much more family fun at the Town of Gilbert Civic Center. More than a dozen restaurants, food purveyors and breweries from around the city will be on site including 12 West Brewing, Arizona Wilderness Brewing, Drive Wood Food Truck, Desert West Brewing, Doughlicious and many more. Plus, there will be a KB Kornhole Tournament and stein-holding competitions for those in the competitive spirit. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation as the hospital continues its plans to expand services in the East Valley. Tickets to the event are $10 online pre-sale and $20 the day of the event at the gate. Kids 12 and under are free. Food and beverages are sold separately.
Oct. 5, noon to 5 p.m.: Scottstoberfest
The first-ever Scottstoberfest, taking place at Scottsdale Fashion Square, will feature live entertainment from Germany’s multi-talented performer, Melina; plus, DJ Soul Man from the original Valley-based Phunk Junkeez will DJ for the day. Local food trucks and vendors serving classic German food will be on site with delicious dishes including bratwurst, sauerkraut and spaetzle. The 21-and-over event will feature Samuel Adams Oktoberfest beer plus giant interactive games, a cornhole tournament and more. Plus, the winner of the stein-hoisting contest will win a trip to Boston for a two-night stay and tour of the Sam Adams Brewery. A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to the Scottsdale Firefighters Charities. The events area is located on the north side of the mall on Scottsdale Road. Tickets are $5 at the door (no pre-sale available). Food and beverages are sold separately.
Oct. 11 to Oct. 13: Four Peaks Oktoberfest
Four Peaks Oktoberfest is returning to Tempe Town Lake for its 47th year. The event is open to all ages and features live music, food and drinks, games, dancing and much more. There will be three stages of music; brats, hot pretzel, German potato salad and more; carnival treats and rides; soccer tournaments; and, of course, plenty of beer. Proceeds benefit Tempe Sister Cities and will be used to send Tempe High School students to 10 of Tempe’s sister cities. Admission is free; VIP packages are available.
Oct. 20, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.: O.H.S.O. Oktoberfest
Touted as the Valley’s most dog-friendly Oktoberfest, O.H.S.O. Oktoberfest is set for the brewery’s Arcadia location and will benefit Arizona Animal Welfare League. Not only will guests get to enjoy a special brew on tap—Saving Pups Pumpkin Lager!—but they will take in music from Chicks with Picks, pet goody bags to the first 100 guests, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and delicious eats. Tickets are $39 or two for $69 before Oct. 11.
